Yes. You can substitute modern tension rods with 12-24" threading. That being said, most of the newer China import rods are somewhat thinner in width...threads are the same but are likely to fit somewhat more loose and therefore will tend to lose tension easier. The original rods with slot heads are slightly thicker in width: 7/32-24". Therefore, I recommend either hunting down some vintage Premier square head rods (found often on eBay), or some vintage U.S.A. made rods such as Ludwig, which probably will do a better job. Those wood shell vintage Olympic snares are underrated. They truly sound terrific no matter the style of music played. Good luck in your quest!

Thanks! Yeah, it sounds nice, just that I don't feel comfortable playing it out if I can't readily tune it. Guess I can seek out a slotted Premier key too!

another option would be to try these

http://www.tucsonwebhosting.net/tightscrew/home.php

I have had good results

Kev